These wonderful crime comedies are of a different time. The main characters, developed by Dashiell Hammet, are so well drawn and so clever, it's hard not to be embrace the two. Of course, their hedonism and disregard for conventional relationships (some would call sheer honesty) are sometimes a bit much for modern audiences. For me, it was a time that had that black and white edge. When Nick was on a case, despite his sarcasm and flippant glib comments, he was so wise, noting clues that others did not see. Also, there is a wonderful, convoluted plot, with numerous figures as possible suspects. Nick and Nora are always in danger, but, of course, they will eventually land on their feet.

The original "The Thin Man" movie was based on the title Dashiell Hammett detective novel, and it played itself more for its humorous aspects than as a serious mystery. The idea evidently worked, for this started a series of "Thin Man" movies which were not based on any Hammett stories, with the comic adventures of Nick and Nora doing detective work.In this run, Nick and Nora have come back from New York to California on New Year's, hoping to relax but instead being treated to a surprise party, and then having to meet Nora's aristocratic and snooty relatives. Unfortunately Nora's cousin Selma's husband has disappeared (as he had done before), and begs Nick and Nora to find him. Reluctantly, they do so. They find him quickly, alive and well, at a local club, but the problems, and the story, are only beginning as the husband is murdered, and Nick and Nora unearth some criminal intrigues...The story is played basically for laughs, though there is violence, danger, and tension. There are jokes about 3 am breakfasts and drinking lots of alcohol and smoking, and the dog Asta gives Nick and Nora trouble rather than provides help...and the very end of the story has a cute twist to it. It's entertaining more than anything else, but enjoyable if you like it.

Directed by W. S. ("One Take Woody") Van Dyke, this is by consensus the most appealing of the Thin Man series. Not a masterpiece, it's a delightful divertimento.They may never have been a more enjoyable married couple in such a series. Not only does William Powell (Nick Charles) love Myrna Loy (Nora) but they serve as a good illustration of the complementary theory of marriage. Powell is sharp as a tack but often half gassed. ("Let's get something to eat. I'm thirsty.") Loy is the sensible wife with a mind of her own and an appreciation of irony. He represents adventure; she provides the class.This case is a lot of complicated nonsense and it's most interesting element is that Jimmy Stewart is revealed as a homicidal maniac. Other than that, there are multiple suspects and red herrings and George Zucco wearing a pair of glasses that look like Coke bottle bottoms. Sam Levene is the frustrated San Francisco police lieutenant who barks out orders that nobody follows and questions that nobody answers. ("Just what was the poi-puss of your visit?") And Asta the dog is cute -- too cute.But the plot doesn't matter. It's the repartee between the characters that counts and the dialog here is very keenly written and nicely supplemented by the physical comedy and by glances and sneers. Powell finds himself seated after dinner with five old men who are asleep and snoring loudly. He carries on a mock conversation with them. "Why, NO!" "You AMAZE me." "Well, surely you have an opinion on that." He turns from one immobile sleeper to another and waits for the answers that come apace as loud snores.The series had a cult following and it's easy to see why.

Elissa Landi was one of Hollywood's most interesting failures. She was an English actress who came to Hollywood in a flurry of publicity. She was just so superior in every way, so well read and an aristocrat by birth - no wonder the average movie goer didn't warm to her. But she was very beautiful and had already proved herself capable in some English films. By the time "After the Thin Man" came along (her friend Myrna Loy had recommended her for the role) her career was almost over, as Hollywood had already discovered Madeline Carroll. I thought she was quite emotive in her role as Selma, Nora's cousin, who feels she is being driven insane.After solving the "Thin Man" case, Nick Charles is a celebrity, but Nora is determined that from now on they will lead a quiet life. During a rowdy New Year's Eve, Nora's cousin, Selma calls in a hysterical state. Her husband, Robert (Alan Marshall) is missing and she fears he is with another woman. An extremely youthful James Stewart plays David, who has always carried a torch for Selma. Vibrant Dorothy McNulty gives a spirited version of "Blow That Horn" - she even does a tap dance!!! Later she sings the beautiful "Smoke Dreams". She played the role of Flo in the 1930 version of "Good News" and specialised in an acrobatic style of dancing that was very exciting to watch. Soon after this film she changed her name to Penny Singleton, became a blonde and originated the role of "Blondie" for which she is remembered. She plays Polly, the girl who is having an affair with Robert. They are planning to run away together on the $25,000 he hopes to get from David who offered the money to keep him away from Selma. When Robert is murdered there are many suspects, foremost among them Selma, who has followed him into the fog with a gun!!!This is by far the best of the series (in my opinion). There are too many funny bits of business between Nick and Nora to mention. Apart from James Stewart and Dorothy McNulty, there is George Zucco giving his sinister best to the tiny part of Doctor Kammer and Sam Levene is wonderful as the harassed Inspector Abrams. As well Jessie Ralph is fantastic as dastardly Aunt Katherine, if you can't remember her, she was the wonderfully kind and comforting Peggotty in "David Copperfield". Also whoever played that wonderful, doddering butler - "Walk this way sir" - "I'll try"!!!!Highly Recommended.